Viking Ships and Weapons

Viking Ships and Weapons
Exploring the adventurous
world of The Vikings!
Viking Ships
The Vikings had a highly advanced ship technology which enabled them to explore the world. The Vikings
were able to reach places as far as the Mediterranean coast and Asia. The Vikings first attack was
recorded in 793 in England. It is evident that the Vikings’ mastery of shipbuilding and navigation was
essential to their success as invaders and traders. The Vikings’ ship would ultimately become the
foundation of their power. There were 2 main types of Viking ships:
SOURCE A
The knarr
(transport ship)
1: The knarr was used for transporting goods for trade or settlement.
2: The knarr was also used by Vikings when settling in distant lands.
3: This type of ship had extensive storage space in the centre of the boat as well as beneath
the deck.
4: The knarr primarily relied on a single sail as the primary source of power; oars weren’t
as effective because of the weight of the ship.
The longboats were designed for raiding thus they were flexible, sleek and fast. The
drekars were highly sophisticated and had a variety of features:
The dekar
(longboat)
1: Deck. Deck was made of loose planks. Underneath the planks there was a
storage area for food, oars and extras.
2: Steering. A large rudder hung over the side of the boat; this allowed the
longboat to enter shallow water.
3: Sails. The drekars were propelled by oars and a single sail. A sail made of linen
and wool was used, however the Vikings would row when near shore or if there
was no wind.
4: Navigation. The Vikings navigated their boats by using the stars, sun, wind and
landmarks. They were also able to determine their position by observing the
migration of animals and the shapes of the waves.
5: Animal figure head. Both the prow and stern of the long-boats were decorated
with carved animal and dragon heads. Such carvings frightened onlookers.
6: Size and crew. The drekars varied in size and crew numbers. The average was
25 metres long with 32 oars and roughly 50 men. Each member would store their
personal items in a chest they sat on.
7: Hull and Keel. The hulls of the long-boars were made from planks of wood
which were held by iron rivets, this stopped leakage. The keel was usually 17
metres long and 42 centimetres deep which provided steadiness and strength to the
boat.
SOURCE B
The shipwright who fashioned the
stem and stern of the vessel was
Viking Expansion
called Thorberg skafhogg; but
there were many other involved,
some to do the planking, some to
trim the wood, some to make
rivets, some to carry timber; and
all the materials used in the
construction were very carefully
chosen. The ship was both long
and broad and high-sided, and
stoutly timbered.
The reason as to why the Vikings raided and pillaged other countries
is met with a variety of different perspectives. It is believed that trade
slowed down for the Vikings around the 790s thus the Vikings turned
to piracy to maintain their wealth. Other theories bring forth the idea
From Snorri Sturluson, Olaf, Rryggvason’s Saga
in Heimskringla. Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)
was an Icelandic historian, Poet and politician.
that the Viking population was growing too quickly hence the Vikings
decided to expand their territories. However it is also thought that
SOURCE C
Men will quake with terror
Ere the seventy sea-oars
Gain their well-earned rest
From the labourers of the ocean.
Norwegian arms are driving
This iron studded dragon
Down the storm tossed river,
Like an eagle with wings beating.
perhaps Viking trade was actually increasing too rapidly and the
Vikings needed colonies to keep up their trade. Another theory
suggests that due to the difficult winters that the Vikings were
constantly faced with, crops were hard to grow consequently
resulting in the Vikings raiding other countries to provide for their
families.
Snorri Sturluson, King Haralds Saga,
chapter 60
Activities
1. Refer to Source A and label the image of the longboat with the correct feature and
purpose.
2. Read Sources B and C. Which source do you think is the most reliable? Provide
reasons for your answer.
3. List the possible explanations regarding why Viking expansion occurred. Once
completed, discuss with the person next to you what you believe caused the Vikings
to expand. Is there one correct answer or is there perhaps a combination of factors?
A. Feature:
B. Feature:
C. Feature:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
SOURCE D
D. Feature:
E. Feature:
F. Feature:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Viking weapons
and armour
Helmet: Helmets were
worn by Vikings. Metal
helmets were only worn
by the rich as they were
expensive. Most Vikings
wore helmets made of
leather.
SOURCE E
Shield: Wooden shields
were mainly used as they
were cheap to make. The
circle shape made them
easy to carry. Warriors
needed to constantly move
the shield to protect
different parts of their
bodies.
Armour: Metal
armour on the body
was only worn by
wealthy and important
Vikings. Those who
could not afford it
wore leather instead.
Spears: The Spear was the
basic weapon carried by the
Viking. It was usually
thrown first in battle.
Axe: Vikings mainly
used a one handed
axe; however there
were also two handed
axes.
1. Complete the following table.
Weapon
Shield
Axe
Spear
Advantages
Disadvantages